Citation

Kumar A. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 2009; 42(1): 69-74.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00085030.2009.10757597

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A rare case of fatal acute sodium fluoride (NaF) poisoning is presented. The literature was reviewed with special reference to the mode of exposure to sodium fluoride. Sodium fluoride poisoning is usually accidental, sometimes suicidal, and rarely homicidal. We present a case where an educated research scholar allegedly died due to accidental ingestion of NaF. Since NaF has an unpleasant bitter salty taste, it is highly unlikely that it can be mistakenly ingested by an educated young man, after dissolving it in tea in place of sugar. Features of vomiting, abdominal pain, muscular cramps, stable vitals for 1-2 hours, and sudden deterioration of haemodynamics with a positive history of sodium fluoride consumption were clinching points in favour of NaF poisoning. Autopsy showed severe pulmonary edema and gastric hyperemia with a postmortem blood fluoride level of 4.341 mg/L. The paper also discusses various aspects of management in suspected cases of poisoning. The hazards of keeping food preparations stored beside toxic materials are also noted.